Premier League Countdown: 10 Memorable opening day games

New Premier League season starts on Friday

The new Premier League seasons begins with a flourish on Friday night as Manchester United host Leicester City at Old Trafford.

Both sides will want to kick things off with a win. But it doesn’t always go to plan on the first weekend.

We’ve rounded up 10 of the most memorable opening day clashes since 1992, and be warned Arsenal fans, it doesn’t make pretty reading for your side…

Arsenal 4-3 Leicester City, 2017-18

Cast your mind back 12 months to this belting Friday night opener.

The Gunners took the lead early on through Alexandre Lacazette before falling behind to goals from Shinji Okazaki and Jamie Vardy.

Danny Welbeck brought things level, only for Vardy to score again to make it 3-2.

A remarkable final 10 minutes saw the result swing again, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud netting two goals in as many minutes to seal an incredible 4-3 victory for the hosts.

Arsenal 3-4 Liverpool, 2016-17

Jurgen Klopp began his first full season in charge of Liverpool with a pulsating victory in an Emirates encounter that was devoid of defensive responsibility.

Arsenal went 1-0 up through Theo Walcott, but goals from Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane put the visitors out of sight.

Arsenal 1-3 Aston Villa, 2013-14

In an afternoon that spawned the birth of Fan TV, Arsenal fans were left fuming after a shock opening day loss to an Aston Villa side managed by Paul Lambert.

Antonio Luna scored one and Christian Benteke hit two as Gunners manager Arsene Wenger faced questions over his transfer activity.

Queens Park Rangers 0-5 Swansea City, 2012-13

Michu announced himself to the Premier League with a stunning brace as Swansea City cruised to victory at Loftus Road against big-spending Queens Park Rangers.

Nathan Dyer also helped himself to a pair of strikes before Scott Sinclair rounded off the rout with a low finish.

Everton 1-6 Arsenal, 2009-10

In a rare positive opening day for Arsenal, the Gunners ran riot at Goodison Park.

Eduardo, William Gallas, Thomas Vermaelen and Denilson all got on the scoresheet in the Merseyside jaunt, with Cesc Fabregas also chipping in with a pair of strikes.

Middlesbrough 3-3 Liverpool, 1996-97

One of the classic Premier League encounters.

A Middlesbrough side featuring Emerson, Juninho and Fabrizio Ravanelli fought back from 1-0, 2-1 and 3-1 down to salvage an opening day draw. Bryan Robson’s swashbuckling Teesiders would later face the ignominy of relegation.

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Nick is a graduate of the UEA where he doubled up as the sports editor of the student newspaper. He supports Dagenham & Redbridge and previously edited the matchday programme at Victoria Road. Darts and Horse Racing are among his other favourite sports.

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